Eight young women have put their hands up for the chance to become a youth ambassador for the city for the next 12 months.

The gala presentation will take place at East Cessnock Bowling Club on Thursday night.

Meet our entrants in the video here and read their profiles below.

Occupation: High school student/works part-time at McDonalds and Crowne Plaza

Ambitions: 12 months – To complete Year 12 at St Philip’s, attend university to study marketing or possibly teaching abroad in India; 2 years – To continue my path and goals on competing my academics; to be a positive role model for my little sister and to other young women. Continue my works in fundraising for causes that impact others’ lives positively and for the better. I would like to travel more and explore this amazing country of ours; 5 years – To have completed my academic studies, now to embark on my success and hard work. This will be in marketing possibly assisting companies with public relation matters, branding company logos or I will be a primary school teacher in India, returning home to the Cessnock area sharing my stories and teachings from a foreign country. Hopefully I will have changed and helped people along the way through continued voluntary work.

Country you would most like to visit and why?: I would like to visit Paris due to the culture and history throughout the architectural designed buildings, also being the city of love, for its famous food and the elegance which is both graceful and respectful.

Other than your mother or other family members, who is the woman you most admire and why?: Marilyn Monroe. I have two beautiful pictures of her on my bedroom wall. I love old movies and reading about the 1950s era. I admire her for the difficult childhood she had with a mother that suffered mental illness which was not spoken of or recognised fairly. She overcome obstacles that were not spoken or even recognised within her industry; such as anxiety, depression, stage fright and insecurities about her body. Marilyn spoke out to the public regarding these problems and sought help through therapy which was frowned upon in that era. Marilyn was an advocate for the rights of women being of equal to men, she was proud of her sexuality and was incredibly kind-hearted. Donated to dozens of various charities and always made time for the ill children.

Favourite food: Lasagne – for the creamy white sauce, tomato flavours infused with herbs. Yum.

Which colour best describes your personality and why?: Pink, not because of its stereotypical name but because of the love one feels from this warm comforting colour. I am a nurturing soul, compassionate and caring to all those around me.

Favourite movie or TV star: Rachel McAdams.

What is your theme song?: Love My Self by Hailee Steinfeld.

Special interests?: Dancing (all forms), spending time with my family and friends, horse riding, going to the beach. I have represented my school on numerous occasions – HRIS, the Abermain eisteddfod, WCOPA USA and a Rotary international exchange student to NZ and most recent I had the opportunity to join the mission trip to India. Outside of school, I am committed to various voluntary work assisting at the retirement village with craft activities, Christmas singalongs and various games.

Which four people would you invite to a dinner party and why?: Marie Antoinette – was married at the age of 14 years old the King of France, and took 7 years to consummate. she was adored by many. Versailles was built for her one of the most beautiful constructions; Beyonce – she is that strong independent woman that all girls love and want to be there is at least one song we all know and love word for word; Emma Watson – she has helped the UN goodwill campaign and promotes gender equality; Hugh Jackman – caring and down to earth stands up for all humanity and is not shy to voice his opinion.

Which historical figure would you like to meet and why?: William Shakespeare – I would like to meet the man that changed and influenced the so many aspects of our lives. Through art, music, poetry. His poems have been translated to every living language know. He has portrayed how we see romance today and still influences us all that are in love.

Likes: Dogs, music, sunsets.

Dislikes: Clowns, rude people, cruelty to animals.

Occupation: High school student

Ambitions: 12 months – I would like to have completed school and my HSC as well as gaining early entry into ANU; 2 years – I would like to obtain a job at the war memorial in Canberra either in the archives or simply leading tours; 5 years – I would like to travel to Turkey to see Gallipoli and head back to Europe – especially Ypres as I would like to work at the Flanders Field Museum.

Country you would most like to visit and why?: I would like to go back to Northern France and Belgium.

Other than your mother or other family members, who is the woman you most admire and why?: Benazir Bhutto. She was the first woman to run as leader of Pakistan’s Democratic Party and become Prime Minister, whilst fighting for women’s rights.

Favourite food: Thai.

Which colour best describes your personality and why?: Rose gold. It always makes a girl look good and it suits my personality as it’s as unique as I am – and expensive!

Favourite movie or TV star: Male – Sebastian Stan; Female – Emilia Clarke.

What is your theme song?: The Friends theme, as I’m most likely to burn my breakfast and sleep in two hours late.

Special interests?: Musical theatre (with my favourite show being Hamilton), singing, reading, history, make-up and shopping at Kmart.

Which four people would you invite to a dinner party and why?: My family and friends – no one specifically. When we’re all together we always have a good time and a laugh.

Which historical figure would you like to meet and why?: I’d like to meet John Monash and understand how he feels about being one of Australia’s most well known military commanders. I’d also love to know how he won the battle of Hamel in 93 minutes.

Likes: Discovering a new song or band, going on holidays and not worrying about school, getting good grades in assignments.

Dislikes: Being discredited for hard work, homework, people taking life too seriously.

Occupation: Admin

Ambitions: 12 months – Acting, writing a book, or both; 2 years – Acting for film and television, and writing books; 5 years – Refer to “2 years” question.

Country you would most like to visit and why?: I would love to visit Germany, because it looks beautiful in pictures and some of the bands that I love are from there.

Other than your mother or other family members, who is the woman you most admire and why?: Tina Arena, because she is so talented and she kept striving for a career. She also seems like a lovely person.

Favourite food: Nutella.

Which colour best describes your personality and why?: It’s a mix of bright and dark colours because it depends on my mood.

Favourite movie or TV stars: Male – Tom Hanks; Female – Christina Applegate.

What is your theme song?: Metal Heart – Accept.

Special interests? Acting, music, make-up, movies, the eighties.

Which four people would you invite to a dinner party and why?: Nikki Sixx – ex bass player for Motley Crue; Steven Adler – former drummer for Guns N Roses; Tina Arena; Sebastian Bach – former lead singer from Skid Row, because I love their music and it would be interesting to see how they are in person.

Which historical figure would you like to meet and why?: Marilyn Monroe, because she seems like she would’ve been an interesting person to get to know.

Likes: Music, being social, clothes that look good on me.

Dislikes: Cruel people, too-hot weather, headaches.

Occupation: Personal banker

Ambitions: 12 months – Become a uniformed cadet staff member. Learn how to ride a horse correctly. Build my first house; 2 years – Progress into a senior role at my workplace. Travel to two different countries; 5 years – Have a second house. Start a course on nursing.

Country you would most like to visit and why?: Africa – I would love to volunteer in a hospital treating the less fortunate.

Other than your mother or other family members, who is the woman you most admire and why?: Emma Watson – she has become a women’s rights advocate. She also has become a UN Goodwill ambassador.

Favourite food: Enchiladas.

Which colour best describes your personality and why?: Yellow – I like to be known vibrant, bright and full of life.

Favourite movie or TV star: Male – Adam Sandler; Female – Sandra Bullock.

What is your theme song?: “Glorious” – it’s happy, upbeat and all about loving life.

Special interests?: Cadets, hiking, netball, horse riding.

Which four people would you invite to a dinner party and why?: My mum – because no matter what she is always there; my dad – because he is always first to help when in need; my sister – no matter what happens she will always have my back; my boyfriend – he always supports me and makes me strive for my best.

Which historical figure would you like to meet and why?: Chief of Defence Forces – I would love to sit down and be able to talk about the cadet youth development programs and to hear the vision from the governor of it.

Likes: Equality and fairness, exploring the wildlife and camping, relaxation.

Dislikes: Animal cruelty, poverty and unfairness, dishonesty.

Occupation: Musician

Ambitions: 12 months – To re-uptake my TAFE studies, preferrably beginning studies into Vet Nursing as I foster rescue animals quite often and caring for animals has become a strong passion of mine; 2 years – I would like to further my knowledge to be able to care for both people and animals alike. I would like to be in the process of completing a Certificate IV in Vet Nursing and be approaching beginning a Midwifery degree; 5 years – I hope to have begun a successful career in Midwifery, hopefully with the John Hunter Hospital's N.I.C.U. I also hope to have helped care for, rehabilitate and rehome as many gorgeous fur babies as possible!

Country you would most like to visit and why?: Ever since I was a very young child I have had an intense passion for the French culture and France itself. It has an incredibly rich history which has always fascinated me, inspiring me to start learning to speak French from as young as 5 years old.

Other than your mother or other family members, who is the woman you most admire and why?: I, personally, intensely relate to and idolise the singer Kesha. This young woman has gone through hell and back. Yet, still has found it within herself to channel it into her incredible talent and come out on top, better than ever.

Favourite food: Sushi

Which colour best describes your personality and why?: Red represents extreme emotions in many cultures; passion, anger, stubbornness, love and hate. My personality consists of a lot of passion, love and strength. Red is simply my colour.

Favourite movie or TV star: Male – Ryan Reynolds; Female – Emma Watson.

What is your theme song?: 'Who You Are' by Jessie J. I have always struggled with being extremely self-critical, especially in the past year. This song has helped me move past some of my insecurities.

Special interests?: Since I was young I have been interested in anything creative, especially music and art. I have loved painting and photography since I was young. I have also been singing since I was 4 and playing guitar since I was 12.

Which four people would you invite to a dinner party and why?: Emma Watson, Ellen DeGeneres, Malala Yousafzai and Beyonce. I feel like these four women could teach me things about myself that I did not even know. All these women are incredible, inspiring and beautiful. They all stand for what they believe in without hesitation, and any young woman should want to meet with these four women.

Which historical figure would you like to meet and why?: Cleopatra; As a woman in those times she marked a turning point for the role of women. She made many choices for the good of her people and country and was extremely intelligent. I would feel extremely honoured to be able to have even the shortest of conversations with such an amazing woman.

Likes: Brutal honesty and truth, the reactions from little kids when I busk, creativity and self-determination.

Dislikes: Narrow-minded people, racism, bigotry, homophobia, fascism and corruption.

Occupation: Marketing/administration officer and university student

Ambitions: 12 months – I will have completed 2 years of university and be on track to enter into a job in welfare where I hope to begin a career in child protection. I also hope to be campaigning my current young performance horses at a state and national level; 2 years – I will have completed a degree in Social Science and be entering into my Professional Practice Program for law. From here I will be able to enter into the legal workforce. By the end of 2019, I aim to have my performance horses competing consistently successfully on a national level and I hope to achieve my NCAS Instructors accreditation to continue sharing knowledge with others. 5 years – I will be at the end of my Law degree. Ideally at this time, I will begin on a journey to work in child protection law to protect children in my local community, as well as outside it. On the side of this, I should be on track to having a successful business in the horse industry training horses and riders to overcome difficulty. Ultimately, I would like this to transform into a therapy program for riders who have experienced hardship, or live with disability.

Country you would most like to visit and why?: I would like to visit England due to its position in the world equestrian field. Should I be able to visit and work in a top dressage stables, I will be able to broaden my horizons and connections within the horse industry allowing me to develop my skill, as well as my clientele. I also adore the history of England and would love to experience in first hand.

Other than your mother or other family members, who is the woman you most admire and why?: Our family friend Cherie, who has provided the safest, most compassionate home for four beautiful foster girls, as well as for her own son and his grown family. Cherie also acts as carer for her mother, and managers to campaign her dressage horses at Prix St Georges, which is one level behind the Olympics.

Favourite food: Mangoes.

What colour best describes your personality and why?: Navy – it is a colour of elegance, yet expresses power and professionalism. Navy seems to show intelligence, an ability to be strong minded yet think outside the box. Most importantly, navy expresses an undeniable confidence in oneself, or one’s work.

Favourite movie or TV star: Male – Johnny Depp; Female – Emma Watson.

What is your theme song?: Electric Rodeo (Lee Kernaghan) – this song promotes the importance of being able to take a risk in order to succeed, and even “you crash to the ground” you take the opportunity to learn and grow from it and give the dice another throw.

Special interests?: Aside from a career interest in child protection, I spend a lot of time working and training with horses. I love the chance to read each horse and devise a plan for their future, and I love being able to teach riders how to do this. This process involves becoming aware of one’s own emotions, as well as the horse’s needs. At face value, this is an invaluable tool for any horse person, but actually gives individuals the ability to read other people as well as acknowledge their own emotions and learn how to control them.

Which four people would you invite to a dinner party and why?: I’d split it into two dinners – firstly, my ‘horse rider idols’ Charlotte Dujardin, who won gold at London, and Stinna Tange Kaastrup, bronze medallist at Rio Paralympics. Both riders have given so much to the world of dressage today, having promoted kindness and compassion amidst some of the world’s top riders developing a dismal reputation for forceful practice. Secondly, I’d like to have dinner with social campaigner Edith Cowan, who worked for the welfare of women and children in Australia, and Anne Frank, who expressed an astonishing ability to believe in the good amidst a world of pain.

Which historical figure would you like to meet and why?: Buddha – though physical evidence may vary, the Buddha’s focus on kindness and compassion, as well as a willingness to teach others how to understand and limit suffering are incredibly powerful even at face value. I’d love to have the chance to develop an even more in-depth understanding of these in practice, especially given my interest in teaching and welfare, as well as one’s own wellbeing.

Likes: Learning, helping others grow (grow their abilities, their own confidence and their ambitions), creating things and being creative in order to reach the desired end result.

Dislikes: People who criticise without taking the chance to understand; a lack of forgiveness or an ignorance to the good in the world; and taking selfishness to a whole other level where you disrespect other people/creatures.

Occupation: Student, waitress and dance teacher.

Ambitions: 12 months – I would love to travel to a country on my bucket list with friends and save for a house deposit; 2 years – I would like to hopefully have enough savings for a house deposit, still be completing my degree, and also continue to travel to new places; 5 years – I would like to successfully graduate from my university degree (Bachelor of Primary Teaching) and have a full-time job that I love.

Country you would most like to visit and why?: Europe to see all of the historical and beautiful landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

Other than your mother or other family members, who is the woman you most admire and why?: Sophia Bush, as she is committed to make a difference in the world with her inner beauty. She recognises the important things in life.

Favourite food: Mango.

Which colour best describes your personality and why?: Pink. I believe pink represents unconditional love with an outgoing personality, and a caring and compassionate nature.

Favourite movie or TV star: Male – Dwayne Johnson; Female – Jennifer Lawrence.

What is your theme song?: “I Don’t Want To Be” by Gavin Degraw, as I believe that you just have to be yourself and believe that it doesn’t matter who you are, you are just as equal as everyone else in the world.

Special interests?: I have many interests such as dancing but also reading a good book in my spare time is enjoyable. I also love fishing and swimming in summer.

Which four people would you invite to a dinner party and why?: Beyonce – she is inspiring to all of the young female population; Sophia Bush – she seems so real and caring towards others; Justin Bieber – as he believes in positivity; Ed Sheeran – very down to earth.

Which historical figure would you like to meet and why?: Isaac Newton as he was one of the most influential scientists in his time as he created the law of gravity and the laws of motion.

Likes: Being organised, glitter, ice-cream

Dislikes: Balloons popping, Coke, winter.

Occupation: Year 12 student

Ambitions: 12 months – I would like to be in university for communications; 2 years – Hopefully still in university, but also travel to New Zealand; 5 years – I would like to have a stable job and be travelling to many countries.

Country you would most like to visit and why?: Ireland because I would love to paint the landscapes.

Other than your mother or other family members, who is the woman you most admire and why?: Izzy Hale, because she has used her music to help those struggling with mental health disorders

Favourite food: Mac and cheese.

What colour best describes your personality and why?: Red, because I have a constant burning passion for things I believe in.

Favourite movie or TV star: male – Tom Hiddleston; female – Jennifer Lawrence.

What is your theme song?: ‘Shatter Me’ – Lindsey Stirling ft. Izzy Hale; ‘The Arena’ – Lindsey Stirling.

Special interests?: I love to play and perform music, as well as go to conventions in Sydney and Melbourne. I also love to look after and train dogs for dog shows.

What four people would you invite to a dinner party and why?: I would invite my Mum, my dad, Aunty Pat and Uncle Wade because these family members have made significant impacts in my life since I was a young child.

What historical figure would you like to meet and why?: Theodore Roosevelt, because of a particular quote: “The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the Arena”.

Likes: Positivity, music, freedom.

Dislikes: Arrogance, lying, disrespect.​

While its origins can be traced back to the 1940s, the Miss Cessnock City Quest was re-born in its current format in 1991.

The quest seeks to find a young woman who will become an ambassador for the city’s youth for a 12-month period.

It’s not a beauty pageant, nor is it a fundraising competition – it simply aims to help the young women of the Cessnock local government area grow, develop and shine, and achieve their full potential.

The winner will be invited to attend several community events during her reign and, while not obligated, is encouraged to get involved with local organisations and causes.

Three former winners – Simone Pringle, Alarna Derbidge and Emily Angwin – went on to be named Cessnock’s Young Citizen of the Year in the year following their reign.

A fantastic prize pool awaits the winner of the 2017 Miss Cessnock City quest.

Prizes include a one-year membership to BPW Cessnock, a one-night stay including breakfast and a meal for two at Guest House Mulla Villa (who has sponsored the quest since inception), a double pass to the 2018 Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow at Cessnock Performing Arts Centre, gift vouchers from Bistro Molines, Butterfly’s Fashion Boutique, Bella You Beauty, the Chelmsford Hotel, and Yogurtland, a twin pack of wine from Tallavera Grove and a shampoo pack from Lauratopia.

And of course, there's a tiara, trophy and sash.

All entrants will receive a gift pack, framed photo and certificate for their CV.

This year’s entrants met with the judging panel on Monday night for an interview that makes up 70 percent of the judging criteria – which covers deportment, grooming, speech, expression and grammar, local knowledge, poise and personality, aspirations and ambitions and self-awareness.

The remaining 30 percent of the marks will be accounted for at the gala presentation evening at East Cessnock Bowling Club on Thursday.

Stay tuned to the Advertiser’s Facebook page for a live stream of the announcement of the winner.